Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians
Solar thermal installers and technicians set up and maintain solar energy systems that collect and store heated water for homes, businesses, and industrial facilities. They work on rooftops, in mechanical rooms, and at job sites, assembling components, connecting piping, and testing systems to ensure proper operation.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against solar thermal installers and technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves site assessments, measuring roof space, and planning system layouts. Installers mount solar collectors on roofs, run copper piping through buildings, connect storage tanks and pumps, and perform pressure and temperature tests. Some days are spent troubleshooting existing systems, replacing worn valves or seals, or winterizing equipment. Work requires climbing ladders, working at heights, and sometimes soldering connections.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to prefer hands-on work with clear, concrete results and like following established procedures and technical standards. You're organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable working independently or as part of a crew, with strong mechanical reasoning and an ability to solve practical problems.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Maintenance Shop Technician · Republic Services · Dixon, Solano County · $71,014–$71,014
- US Tech - Vendor Alliance Senior Manager · PwC · Sacramento, Sacramento County · $218,956–$218,956
- Emergency Department Technician II · KAISER · Roseville, Placer County · $56,302–$56,302
- Customer Service Technician · Agiliti Health · Sacramento, Sacramento County · $39,748–$61,172
- Financial Accounts Technician · Immediate Office of the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration · Leavenworth, Kansas · $46150–$59994
- Pharmacy Technician (Inpatient Oncology) · Veterans Health Administration · Long Beach, California · $80677–$104876
- Medical Technician · Military Treatment Facilities under DHA · Maxwell AFB, Alabama · $50460–$65599
- Surgical Technician · Veterans Health Administration · Saint Cloud, Minnesota · $55012–$71517
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $74,630 | $101,020 | $114,400 | 1,010 |
| Illinois | $72,070 | $99,950 | $120,050 | 16,750 |
| Oregon | $74,920 | $97,050 | $126,400 | 5,370 |
| Minnesota | $61,150 | $94,410 | $108,750 | 10,720 |
| Alaska | $73,640 | $93,920 | $102,820 | 1,200 |
| Massachusetts | $61,860 | $93,880 | $108,430 | 13,460 |
| Wisconsin | $61,430 | $81,210 | $103,560 | 10,210 |
| Washington | $60,030 | $81,030 | $107,420 | 12,470 |
| Michigan | $58,090 | $80,190 | $95,390 | 14,120 |
| Montana | $60,990 | $79,960 | $94,370 | 1,860 |
| New Jersey | $61,810 | $78,240 | $106,830 | 8,750 |
| Hawaii | $61,570 | $78,060 | $97,950 | 2,500 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Solar Heating Installer (SHI) — North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
- Certified Electrical Safety Technician (CEST) — National Fire Protection Association
- Certified Plumbing Design Technician (CPDT) — American Society of Plumbing Engineers
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against solar thermal installers and technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 47-2152.04 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.